I can't see how a comedy could beat this for best foreign film at the Oscars.
Even though the word ‘Samurai’ is in the title, this is NOT an action movie. There are two duel sequences but Hollywood would not class them as action. And that is the reason why this movie is so good. It isn't aimed at the average American.
If you find this movie boring, you are an average American. You have no taste for drama. Go watch xXx or The Fast and the Furious.